ASEAN Future Forum 2025 High-Level Plenary Session

Attending the plenary session were Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President of Timor Leste Jose Ramos-Horta; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son; along with representatives of leaders of countries, international organizations, foreign research agencies, representatives of ministries, sectors, localities, enterprises... Many diplomats, experts, scholars, reporters... from home and abroad attended the event.

ASEAN - a beacon of hope

In his keynote speech at the high-level plenary session, ASEAN 2025 Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Vietnam is an admirable development success story, a testament to the journey of rising from poverty; a modern, advanced country, capable of enhancing modern economic development.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 high-level plenary session on February 26. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

The Prime Minister shared that he had come to Vietnam when he was very young and was familiar with the famous sayings of President Ho Chi Minh, and that Malaysians supported the spirit of the Vietnamese people. “Personally, I would like to go to Dien Bien Phu - the symbol of Vietnam's guerrilla war. Vietnam has achieved a growth target of 7% in the past year, which is an impressive effort.

You have shown your steadfast efforts in economic development, ensuring industrialization and modernization with a unique diplomacy. I have learned a lot from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh,” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared.

According to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the world is at a geopolitical “inflection point” with many global disruptions that ASEAN has to undergo, which could have serious consequences for the peace and prosperity of the region as well as for the well-being of the people of Southeast Asia.

In that context, the Malaysian Prime Minister stressed that ASEAN must shine as a “beacon of hope”, promoting a sustainable, harmonious and economically dynamic region. ASEAN must promote its centrality and strategic autonomy.

According to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, centrality is a “right” but it will be meaningless if ASEAN is divided. Therefore, ASEAN is fortunate to be one of the safest, most peaceful, and fastest growing economic regions in the world today.

ASEAN countries are gradually rising to success and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed that ASEAN is ready to share this spirit with international friends, demonstrating ASEAN solidarity and ensuring the future of the Association. ASEAN is ready to take the lead in efforts such as energy transition, digitalization, clean energy, green infrastructure, building a self-reliant and sustainable supply chain for the future.

The high-level plenary session was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim; New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

“As we push forward the ASEAN agenda in this context, we need to be wary of geopolitical risks; opportunities and challenges always coexist,” the Malaysian Prime Minister stressed, also mentioning the need to balance major power relations, including relations with the US and China.

The Malaysian Prime Minister shared that the theme of the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2025 “Inclusive and Sustainable” was agreed upon by member countries and reflected an important moment in history for both ASEAN and the world at large.

This theme also has profound implications as ASEAN moves into an era where unity and cooperation are vital in addressing common challenges and tapping new opportunities. “I believe that ASEAN is on the threshold of innovation and transformation.

We are no longer a bystander in global affairs but a dynamic and influential force for positive change. And I wholeheartedly agree with the Prime Minister when he described ASEAN as a region of extraordinary vitality,” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim concluded.

Trade is the lifeblood of ASEAN-New Zealand

Expressing his honor and joy at coming to Vietnam to attend the ASEAN Forum 2025, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that this is a timely and important event for ASEAN-New Zealand relations. This is also an opportunity to mention the challenges facing the world and the Indo-Pacific region, and the importance of ASEAN to New Zealand.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that 2025 is a year of many memories for New Zealand, such as the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand.

Regarding the Indo-Pacific region, the Prime Minister pointed out that this region has always played an important role in New Zealand's policy, but currently, there are many changes between this region and the country. For example: Global leadership on climate change and security is having certain fluctuations.

To maintain peace and prosperity in the future, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon pledged to improve relations with ASEAN, cooperate closely with the bloc and seek new opportunities together. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

“From New Zealand’s perspective, we have much in common with Southeast Asian nations. In a time of uncertainty, we need to continue to maintain our commitment to a shared sense of security, collectively,” said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Regarding ASEAN, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that the bloc has always played a central and important role in the world and the region. That is why Wellington has always cooperated with ASAEN and always believed in the bloc's central role. ASEAN's role will always change, update and adapt to the situation.

“We support the ASEAN Community Vision and understand the importance of Southeast Asia. It is a fact that when this region is unstable, it affects us too,” the New Zealand leader said.

Today, Southeast Asia is the most impressive, dynamic, and beautiful region in the world. The region is growing rapidly, while ASEAN will be the 4th largest economy by 2024. Therefore, ensuring sustainability and prosperity in ASEAN is a must.

The New Zealand Prime Minister said: “We support the ASEAN Community Vision and understand the importance of Southeast Asia. It is a fact that when this region is unstable, it will affect us too.” (Photo: Tuan Anh)

Going forward, New Zealand remains committed to expanding its engagement with ASEAN and its member states – our friends.

The Prime Minister shared: “I have visited 6 ASEAN countries. I see great opportunities between the two sides in terms of trade, community and national security.”

Trade is the lifeblood of our relationship. ASEAN is New Zealand’s fourth largest trading partner and continues to grow strongly. The government remains committed to further trade integration and has set a bold target of doubling trade in the coming years. “We hope to see more ASEAN investors coming to New Zealand and increasing their presence in our country,” said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

To maintain peace and prosperity in the future, the New Zealand Prime Minister pledged to improve relations with ASEAN, work closely with the bloc and seek new opportunities together. This will bring benefits to New Zealand, ASEAN and the world.

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Source: https://baoquocte.vn/phien-toan-the-cap-cao-dien-dan-tuong-lai-asean-2025-305620.html#google_vignette